The Biker's Fate Chapter 443

I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I really do need you," I admitted.

"I know."

"She's dying and there's nothing I can do about it."

"How about we head down to the hospital and see if we can't figure out exactly what's going on, hm?"

I nodded into his chest and then released him, so we could finish dressing and get the fuck out of there.

We pulled up to the hospital thirty minutes later and headed straight for ICU. We found Kennedy and Michelle's mother, Natalie, in the waiting area and made our way to them. Michelle's dad must be traveling, which didn't surprise me. He was a pilot and not home often.

"Is she okay?" I asked, hugging them both.

"We don't know," Kennedy said. "She came back to my place and collapsed. Heart attack."

"Jebus," I whispered.

"The drugs and chemo were too much for her system. It's why she quit. But it had already done a lot of damage. Her system can't seem to recover, and the drugs aren't helping," Natalie said, rubbing her arms.

Before I could introduce Merrick, a doctor came out to speak to Michelle's mom and we were left standing in the waiting area.

"Are you okay?" I asked Kennedy.

She shook her head. "I thought she was dead," she whispered. "Do you know how hard it is to actually do CPR?"

"No."

"I think I broke her ribs. She's so frail, and I couldn't get her heart to beat."

I wanted to hug her, but Kennedy was not a touchy-feely person. "That must have been terrifying."

I felt Merrick's front hit my back and I leaned back against him as his arm slid around my waist.

"She fell over, Remi. We were talking and laughing and then she was on the floor. It's a miracle she didn't hit her head."

I bit back tears. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, honey."

"There's nothing you could have done," Kennedy said. "The ambulance was there really quickly and the EMT's took over."

"I could have given you moral support."

"That's true," she said.

Natalie walked back to us and smiled. "She's resting comfortably. It was definitely a heart attack, but it was a small one. They're running tests to try and figure out exactly what's going on."

"Can we see her?" I asked.

Natalie shook her head. "She's in isolation to avoid germs. We can't see her for at least forty-eight hours."

"Does she know we're here?" Kennedy asked.

"Yeah, honey, but honestly, the doctor wants us to go home and rest. They will call as soon as she's free for visitors."

"I don't want to leave her," I whispered.

"I'll bring you back the second she's allowed to see you," Merrick promised.

I faced him and met his eyes. "I need to go home with Kennedy."

"Bab—"

"I'm not leaving her alone, honey."

"The problem is, that when I leave you alone, you disappear," he said.

I smiled sadly. "Never again, Tweety. I promise."

"Club get-together tomorrow. You're both coming."

"Can we play it by ear, depending on how Michelle's doing?"

He took a deep breath and stroked my cheek. I could tell he wasn't liking the way this conversation was going.

"Merr, I'm not saying no."

"Wouldn't matter if you were, Rem. No's not an option."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, Tweety, take it down a notch."

"Want you with me, Rem."

"I know, but you're gonna need to get over it for a day or two."

"Telling me to get over it isn't the way to go here, Rem."

"I don't know what to say here, Merrick. I have to go with Kennedy and I can't be in two places at one time."

He frowned, but then kissed my forehead and nodded. "I get it. I don't like it, but I get it."

"I'm sorry, honey."

"I'll take you both back to Kennedy's."

"Okay."

Merrick made sure Natalie made it to her car safely, then we followed Kennedy to her apartment. The air was heavy in the car, and secretly, my heart was breaking. I didn't want him to leave me at Kennedy's. I wanted to go back to the compound and let him hold me all night. But I also wanted to be with Kennedy. She was the only one who truly understood what I was going through.

We pulled up to a red light and Merrick linked his fingers with mine. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze and tried to smile. I couldn't. I was sad.

Pulling up to Kennedy's place, we climbed out and Merrick insisted on walking us up. Kennedy opened the door and walked inside, but I stood on the porch and wrapped my arms around Merrick.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Kennedy called out. "Your boy-toy can stay if it'll stop you mooning over him all night."

"No promises," I retorted, and pulled Merrick inside.

Merrick frowned. "I'm not staying if it makes your friend uncomfortable."

"Her friend can speak for herself," Kennedy said from the kitchen. "You're welcome to stay, seriously. You'll have to share the futon or bunk on the floor, but it won't bother me."

"You sure, honey?" I pressed.

"Yeah. I want to drink wine and watch some bad shoot 'em up, so you'll have to deal with that, but it'd be nice to have the company."

I pulled her in for a hug.

"What the fuck are you doing, you weirdo," she said, and broke the hug.

I chuckled. "Just saying thank you."

"Well, do it from twelve inches away from me," she retorted. "Beer or wine, Finch?"

"Beer'd be good. Thanks, Kennedy."

I smiled up at Merrick. "She called you by your super special biker name. She must like you."

"Babe, you're the only person who doesn't. Well, other than my family."

I patted his chest. "I'm in good company, then."

Kennedy returned with a beer for him and a glass of wine for me, and we sat down to watch her shoot 'em up. I ended up falling asleep on Merrick halfway through the movie.